Hospitality Heroes 2026
Heroes come in many forms.
Explore Seattle Southside honors the hospitality heroes whose daily efforts leave a lasting impression, enriching the community and creating unforgettable experiences for visitors and residents alike. In the world of hospitality, they shine through their kindness, dedication, and exceptional service.
Please meet the 2026 class of Hospitality Heroes who make Seattle Southside a better place to live, work, and visit.
Justin Taillon
Professor & Department Head, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Highline College
As a professor at Highline College’s Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Dr. Justin Taillon is shaping the next generation of hospitality professionals. In addition to teaching, he remains involved in the field as an Associate Editor for Anatolia, an international journal of tourism and hospitality research, and as the Global President for HFTP (Hospitality Financial & Technology Professionals), and works with organizations such as Starbucks and the Port of Seattle. He holds an MBA from the University of Guelph and a PhD from Texas A&M University.
Margaret McComb
Front Desk Volunteer, Highline Heritage Museum
Margaret McComb has been a volunteer with the Highline Heritage Museum for 5 years, where she manages the front desk, assists with bookkeeping, and helps with special events. In addition to her main duties, she orchestrated a new exhibit on the Miss Washington pageants in the museum's permanent gallery. As her nominator wrote, “Margaret has always been a bright spot whenever she comes to the museum. She engages in meaningful conversation with the other volunteers and keeps track of their health.”
Katy Bevegni
Deputy Harbor Master, the Des Moines Marina
As Deputy Harbor Master, Katy Bevegni fosters a thriving boating community in Des Moines. She began working at the harbor as a teenager, and now has two decades of experience. As her nominator wrote, “Katy is an excellent teacher and works hard to make sure all of her employees and co-workers are excelling professionally and personally. She has a quiet ear for both her clients and her co-workers in times of need. She believes in training and supporting her employees and strives for them to be the best versions of themselves, whilst modeling excellent professionalism and caring. She is deeply invested in the safety and security of boaters in our region.”
Kirsten Cooper
Volunteer Coordinator, Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden
As the Volunteer Coordinator at the Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden, Kirsten Cooper manages all the garden's volunteers and volunteer programs, serving as a key connector between staff, volunteers, and leadership. She recruits and trains volunteers, organizes volunteer activities, and coordinates volunteers for events and gardening. She also serves as a liaison between the garden, the public, and the board/staff. In addition, Kirsten is on the board of directors for the SHARK Garden in Burien. As her nominator wrote, “Her positive impact on guests and the community is evident in the warm, inclusive atmosphere she helps create at the garden. Volunteers are well-prepared and enthusiastic, which directly enhances visitor experiences.”
Ahmad Jawid Rosta
Room Attendant, Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Ahmad Jawid Rosta Jawid began working at Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle-Tacoma International Airport as a room attendant and now assists in covering several positions. He also fills in for leaders and assists with team member relations. As his nominator wrote, “He is known by everyone at the hotel because he has helped each department at one time or another. He has been a suite keeper, inspector, laundry attendant, lobby attendant, assisted with engineering, and stepped in to help the front desk, clean the floors for breakfast, and do heavy lifting when accounting needed boxes moved. His willingness to assist during his days off demonstrates his commitment to our hotel and outstanding hospitality.”
Taurean Davis
Retail Associate, The Museum of Flight
Taurean Davis has worked in the Museum of Flight’s store for over a decade, consistently going above and beyond in his role. He is an active member of the museum’s Green Team, sharing knowledge and resources to help staff adopt sustainable practices, and leads the store’s Toys for Tots campaign. He participated in an award-winning onboarding video, FLIGHT, and enhanced the museum’s Free Thursday event by partnering with a store vendor to facilitate interactive gaming tables. As his nominator wrote, “These efforts, combined with his adaptability and enthusiasm, make Taury stand out among his peers as someone who not only meets expectations but elevates the museum experience for visitors and colleagues alike.”
Barbra Harkness
Server, The Pancake Chef
Barbra Harkness has been a friendly face and dependable presence at The Pancake Chef since June 28, 1980. Growing up just a couple of miles away in Boulevard Park, she has deep roots in the SeaTac community. She brings decades of experience, unwavering dedication, and heartfelt hospitality to her role as a server, making both longtime regulars and new visitors feel welcome. As soon as the restaurant reopened in December after a brief closure, she was quick to resume her post, much to the delight of the regulars who frequent this iconic restaurant.
Drew Dambreville
Chief Operating Officer, The Seattle Seawolves Rugby Club
Drew Dambreville is the COO of the Seattle Seawolves Rugby Club, where he leads growth, operations, and fan engagement for the region’s Major League Rugby team. Under his direction, the Seawolves expanded youth outreach programs and clinic and strengthened partnerships with local nonprofits, demonstrating a commitment to using rugby as a vehicle for positive community impact. He has also transformed the matchday experience, making it more memorable and welcoming for fans. Highlights include the introduction of fan zones, VIP cabanas, upgraded facilities, and interactive elements that enhance game-day experiences.